Steven Malcolm

Steven Malcolm is an American rapper, singer and songwriter who has made a significant impact in the Christian hip-hop and pop music scenes.Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he is widely recognized for his high-energy delivery, melodic hooks and an eclectic sound that seamlessly blends Midwestern rap, modern pop and reggae fusion.

Emerging as a prominent voice in contemporary faith-based music, Malcolm has built a dedicated international following through his authentic storytelling. Rather than focusing on standard hip-hop tropes, his music explores themes of redemption, fatherhood and spiritual transformation.

Throughout his career, he has successfully bridged the gap between the gospel and mainstream music worlds. Operating under IVAV, an imprint of Curb Records, Malcolm has earned numerous award nominations and collaborated with several global music icons, establishing himself as a driving force in modern Christian music.

Early Life and Background

Steven Malcolm was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan.He also spent portions of his childhood living in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Tampa, Florida.His early life was heavily marked by the absence of his father, who was deported to Jamaica when Steven was just nine years old.Raised primarily by his mother, he grew up navigating a difficult environment and struggled to find his identity.The absence of his father profoundly affected him, creating a sense of brokenness that he would later explore deeply in his songwriting.

How His Music Career Started

Malcolm’s journey into music was directly tied to a major spiritual turning point in his life. In 2010, during his freshman year of college, a high school basketball friend invited him to a local hip-hop church in Grand Rapids called the Edge Urban Fellowship. At the time, Malcolm was searching for direction and a sense of belonging. The church’s unique fusion of faith, hip-hop and dance resonated with him immediately. He gave his life to his Christian faith and quickly became involved in the church’s worship team.He began freestyling and writing his own rap lyrics, using music as a way to process his newfound beliefs and personal testimony.

Career and Breakthrough

After honing his skills within his local church community, Malcolm began recording independently. He released his debut independent project, “Monsters Ink,” in 2014. His distinct sound and dynamic live performances soon caught the attention of music executives.He eventually signed with IVAV, an imprint of Curb Records and Word Entertainment. In 2017, he released his self-titled major label debut album, which established him as a rising star in Christian hip-hop. The project earned him three GMA Dove Award nominations, including New Artist of the Year, providing him with a platform that reached far beyond his Michigan roots.

Musical Style and Influences

Malcolm’s musical style is highly unique, shaped by his diverse upbringing and cultural roots.He blends the rhythmic, boom-bap delivery of traditional hip-hop with modern, infectious pop melodies.Because of his Jamaican heritage, he frequently incorporates reggae and dancehall elements into his tracks, aiming to promote unity, peace and love.He draws inspiration from a wide variety of sounds, from East Coast rap and Southern trap to traditional worship music, resulting in a versatile catalog that appeals to both church congregations and mainstream hip-hop fans.

Notable Songs and Albums

Following his self-titled debut, Malcolm released his sophomore album, “The Second City,” in 2019. The project served as a deep dive into his personal history and his father’s Jamaican roots.In 2022, he released his highly acclaimed third studio album, “Tree,” which further solidified his place in the industry and generated tens of millions of streams.His catalog features numerous hit singles, including the upbeat anthem “Party in the Hills,” the reggae-infused “Fuego” and the spiritually grounded track “Even Louder”.

Major Collaborations

A defining aspect of Malcolm’s career is his ability to collaborate across different musical genres. He has worked with several high-profile mainstream and Christian artists.He notably collaborated with global reggae icon Shaggy on a widely popular remix of his track “Fuego”.In 2022, he partnered with legendary hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg and Jay-Way for the summer anthem “Summertime”.Within the Christian music sphere, he has recorded alongside prominent artists such as Natalie Grant, Andy Mineo, Hollyn and the Social Club Misfits.

Personal Life

Steven Malcolm is a devoted family man, and his roles as a husband and father are central to his identity. He married his wife, Teaira, in August 2018 in his hometown of Grand Rapids. Together, they are raising their children in a faith-centered home. Malcolm frequently speaks about his desire to break the cycle of fatherlessness that he experienced in his own childhood, a mission that heavily influences the uplifting and responsible messages found in his music.

Current Career and Recent Activities

Continuing to build on his momentum, Malcolm released his fourth studio album, “BOATS,” in early 2024. An acronym for “Based On A Truth Story,” the concept album transports listeners through themes of brokenness and redemption.The project features powerful singles like “Cardio” and “Nothing Into Something,” showcasing his continued growth as a lyricist. He maintains an active touring schedule, performing his high-energy sets at festivals, arenas and churches across the country while steadily expanding his influence as a global recording artist.